[05/28/08 - 12:01 PM]NBC's "American Gladiators" Goes Green and "Hulks Out" with Special "The Incredible Hulk"-Themed Episode Monday, June 9Fans will get an exclusive, never-before-seen clip from the upcoming "Hulk" film before the final contestants battle it out in the Eliminator.

GLADIATOR MANIACS CAN CATCH AN EXCLUSIVE SNEAK PEEK AT UNIVERSAL PICTURES AND MARVEL STUDIOS' MUCH-ANTICIPATED ACTION-THRILLER, IN THEATERS JUNE 13

BURBANK, CA � May 28, 2008 -- In addition to heart-pounding action, NBC's "American Gladiators" will celebrate the explosive new chapter in the Super Hero franchise that's captivated the world for more than 40 years with a special "THE INCREDIBLE HULK"-themed episode on Monday, June 9 (8-9:00 p.m. ET), it was announced today. The film roars into theaters on June 13.

Not only will guest star Lou Ferrigno (who played The Hulk in the popular 1970s TV show) make a special appearance in the green-hued "Hulked Out" Gladiator Arena, the world will meet a very different Titan. And you wouldn't like him when he's angry�

The competition is as fierce as ever in this special episode, as science teacher Tony Tolbert goes up against inspirational Columbine High School survivor Landon Jones. On the women's side, Army veteran Chuanda Mason goes toe-to-toe with gritty crime reporter Rochelle Gilken. Fans will also get an exclusive, never-before-seen clip from the upcoming "THE INCREDIBLE HULK" before the final contestants battle it out in the Eliminator.

ABOUT "AMERICAN GLADIATORS"

Hulk Hogan ("Hogan Knows Best") and Laila Ali ("Dancing with the Stars") host "American Gladiators," the iconic competition series, with a fresh modern reinvention for the 21st century. The show features new events and new gladiators in a new state-of-the-art Gladiator Arena. Using splashy twists including special effects, water skills and the latest technology, the classic Gladiator games have been upgraded with even higher thrills, impact, energy and spectacle.

Celebrating the everyday, true American heroes -- weekend warriors who excel and take pride in their physical fitness -- 40 contenders will go up against the show's gladiators, charismatic and eclectic warriors -- in the ultimate David & Goliath battle. Everyday amateur athletes compete against the gladiators in contests of physical strength and endurance. The gladiators are action-adventure stars ready to take down the everyday challengers with hard knocks and explosive attitudes.

All contenders will have a unique story to tell and a compelling reason why they need to win. These unsung heroes combine brawn and heart in their effort to be worthy competitors, winning over the audience and turning them against the villainous gladiators.

"American Gladiators" is produced by MGM Television (the original producers of the show) and Reveille (NBC's "The Office" and "The Biggest Loser," "Nashville Star," "Ugly Betty"). Reveille's Mark Koops, Howard T. Owens and David A. Hurwitz ("Fear Factor") are the executive producers alongside Flor-Jon Films Inc.'s Johnny Ferraro, original series creator.

ABOUT "THE INCREDIBLE HULK"

Universal Pictures and Marvel Studios bring the action-packed epic motion picture of one of the most compelling heroes of all time to a world that's been anxiously awaiting it: "THE INCREDIBLE HULK." In the film, scientist Bruce Banner (Edward Norton) desperately hunts for a cure to the gamma radiation that poisoned his cells and unleashes the unbridled force of rage within him: The Hulk.

Living in the shadows -- cut off from a life he knew and the woman he loves, Betty Ross (Liv Tyler) -- Banner struggles to avoid the obsessive pursuit of his nemesis, General Thunderbolt Ross (William Hurt), and the military machinery that seeks to capture him and brutally exploit his power.

As all three grapple with the secrets that led to The Hulk's creation, they are confronted with a monstrous new adversary known as The Abomination, whose destructive strength exceeds even The Hulk's own. And on June 13, 2008, one scientist must make an agonizing final choice: accept a peaceful life as Bruce Banner or find heroism in the creature he holds inside -- THE INCREDIBLE HULK.